I am looking at buying a 16 1/2 lowe line V with a 96 40hp yamaha jet, shorelander trailer, 2 15 gal fuel tanks and a pop up blind. The boat also has floatation pods that ballance out the weight of the motor. It looks like it is in really good shape. The motor has 75 hours on it. He wants 4300 firm. Is this a good deal.

Sounds like a good deal IF the Yammie is in good shape and IF the jet and hull are a good match. There are mismatched hull/jet ob combos out there that never run right. I would insist on an on-the-water demonstration before you buy.

That jet will run shallow MT Rivers nicely, as well as deep clear water. Weeds will stop you. If you intend to run really weedy areas a prop is better.